New Season, New Crew, Big Things Ahead at Worser Bay
Welcome back, Worser Bay whānau. Season 101 is here, sign-ups are open, and this is shaping up to be a huge one. Whether you've been counting down the days since the last race was sailed or you're just getting your first look at the club, it's great to have you here.
The 2026/2027 Learning Programme is gearing up to be another cracker. New faces on the team, big events on the calendar, and a season of sailing ahead for everyone, from complete beginners to our most experienced junior/youth racers.
Sign-ups are now live on the website, and we'd encourage everyone to get in early. Spots in our squads fill up fast, and the sooner you're signed up, the sooner you're on the water.
Get involved, get on the water, and make this your season.
A New Face in the Team:
Maddy Ellis
We're stoked to welcome Maddy Ellis to the Learning Programme team this season. Maddy brings a connection to Yachting New Zealand, and she's joining us ready to help build on everything the programme has achieved so far.
We'll let Maddy introduce herself properly:
Hi everyone, I’m really excited to be joining the Learning Programme team this season.
I’m in the final semester of my Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, majoring in Coaching at AUT. As part of my degree, I completed an internship with Yachting New Zealand, working in the coach development space. I helped create practical, easy‑to‑use resources for new coaches, which really cemented my passion for making coaching simple, inclusive, and confidence‑building for young people.
Alongside sailing and Uni, I’ve also worked as a ski instructor at Snowplanet, coaching a wide range of young athletes. That role taught me a lot about adapting coaching to different learning styles, building confidence in new environments, and keeping sessions fun while still developing solid technical skills.
I’ve spent the past few years coaching across youth sailing and Sea Scouts, as well as supporting emerging coaches. I love creating safe, fun learning environments where tamariki and rangatahi feel supported to give things a go. I’m especially passionate about helping young coaches understand the “why” behind good coaching and feel confident running great sessions at the club level.
We can't wait for our members and families to get to know Maddy over the coming season. She's an exciting addition to the programme, and we think you'll see why very quickly.
Big Events Coming to Worser Bay
This season isn't just about the regular Learning Programme calendar; we've also got some major events heading our way. Worser Bay will host the ILCA (Laser) Nationals, Open Skiff Nationals, and the Optimist Nationals, bringing major opportunities within our one-design fleets right to our doorstep.
Hosting events like this is a huge deal for the club and a massive opportunity for everyone in the Learning Programme, too. Even if you're not racing yourself, there's nothing quite like watching top-level sailing happen right in front of you. It's a chance to see what's possible, get a feel for the atmosphere of a national regatta, and start imagining where your own sailing could take you.
Events like these also mean real potential for growth in our fleets over the coming season: more sailors, more racing, more opportunities for everyone coming through the programme. This is something the whole club community can get behind, not just our top racers. Come down, watch, cheer, and soak it in.
Get in contact if you want to support an event.
Locking In Our 2026/2027 Facilitators
Alongside Maddy, we're also finalising our Learning Programme facilitator team for the season. These are the people who'll be supporting the coaching team to help keep the programme ticking along week to week.
Opti Squad / Blue Transition | Paul Reed |
Blue / Race Squad Transition | Jenny Beaumont |
Race Squad | John Oldfield |
Youth Squad (Starling) | John McNaughton |
Youth Squad (Laser) | Bill Grindell |
Boat Sales | James Macre |
These facilitators will be your first point of contact for anything programme-related questions about your squad, where to be and when, or just general guidance on getting the most out of your season. They're there to help, so don't be shy.
We'd encourage everyone, sailors and parents alike, to get to know your facilitators early on. A quick chat at the start of the season makes everything easier down the track.
Be a Youth Captain
WBBC is introducing a Youth Captain role!
A leadership opportunity designed to empower our young sailors and strengthen the culture of our club. The Youth Captain will help create a welcoming, supportive environment by modelling positive behaviour, encouraging teamwork, and helping newer sailors feel confident both on and off the water. They’ll work alongside coaches and volunteers to support training sessions, assist with equipment, and help keep our sailing days running smoothly.
This new position also gives young leaders a voice in the club. The Youth Captain will share information, listen to sailors' ideas, and help build a strong sense of community by welcoming new members and supporting club events and regattas. It’s a chance for a motivated young sailor to step up, grow their leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact on the future of WBBC.
Applications close on 25 September.
Learning Programme Management
If you need something a bit more general or you're not sure who to ask, the Learning Programme management team is always available too.
Learning Programme contact: Email: learntosail@wbbc.org.nz / Ph 020 451 4749
Website/sign-up link: https://www.wbbc.org.nz/coaching
Don't hesitate to reach out. No question is too small, and we'd rather you ask early than miss out.
Sign Up and Be Part of It
There's a lot happening at Worser Bay this season: a new team member, a confirmed facilitator group, major national events, and a Learning Programme ready to welcome sailors of every level.
Sign up now for the 2026/2027 Learning Programme and be part of it from day one. Whether you're brand new to sailing or you've been part of the club for years, there's a place for you here.
2026/2027 season — here we come!
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